Mexican authorities on Sunday arrested Rafael Alvarez, alias ‘R2’, a regional leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), following a shootout. Nineteen other people were also arrested during the operation.

The CJNG is one of Mexico’s two major criminal groups. The US government designated it a "foreign terrorist organisation" in 2025. The cartel is known for its violent tactics and attacks on authorities.

The group competes with the Sinaloa Cartel for drug trafficking routes into the United States. Since the death of its founder, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, in a military operation in February, several senior CJNG leaders have been arrested.

Alvarez headed a criminal cell involved in homicides, drug trafficking and extortion of business owners in the avocado industry. The group operates across the Mexican states of Jalisco and Michoacan.

He is also linked to the killing of Carlos Manzo, a popular mayor who was assassinated a year ago. Manzo was known for his strong stance against organised crime and his efforts to confront drug cartels.

Mexico's Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said Alvarez was wounded in a shootout during the operation and is receiving medical treatment. He shared the details in a post on X.

Harfuch added that authorities tracked down the suspect using information provided by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The operation resulted in the arrest of 19 other people alongside Alvarez.

The arrest comes amid continued action against the CJNG following the death of its founder. Several of its senior members have been apprehended in recent months.